Although Jon Scheyer and Patrick Beverley have never met, these basketball standouts share an uncommon characteristic.

There is an old-school quality about them that has enabled them to reach the highest level of their sport.

From early-morning Berto Center workouts under the guidance of Bulls strength and conditioning coach Erik Helland to solitary, late-night shooting sessions in Glenbrook North's gym, the 6-foot-6-inch Scheyer has made himself into a McDonald's All-American.

Beverley shunned the high-profile exposure camps and paid no mind to the player rankings of various recruiting analysts. Instead, the 6-2 Marshall guard practiced relentlessly in the off-season, developing an all-around game that wound up attracting a dozen scholarship offers.

These two workaholics and the wondrously gifted Derrick Rose of Simeon led their teams to the Elite Eight, with Simeon knocking out Glenbrook North in the quarterfinals and toppling Marshall in the semifinals en route to the Class AA title.

No wonder the three big-time winners head up the 2006 Tribune All-State Boys Basketball Team. Thanks to Scheyer, Beverley and Rose, Glenbrook North, Marshall and Simeon finished with a combined record of 94-10.

Despite averaging 29 points, six rebounds, four assists and 3.3 steals, Scheyer couldn't lead the Spartans to a repeat Class AA title.

The future Duke player received a phone call from coach Mike Krzyzewski on Sunday.

Scheyer reached the quarterfinals three of his four years at Glenbrook North, practically single-handedly winning the title last year. He wound up as the fourth-leading scorer in state history and was sixth all time in assists and seventh in steals.

Fans will long remember a 75-second spanat the Proviso West Holiday Tournament that will go down in high school basketball lore. In those 75 seconds, Scheyer scored an amazing 21 points to almost pull out a victory over the host team.

"It was a great feeling, but at the same time, we lost to Proviso West and that ended our 35-game winning streak," said Scheyer, who played his last six games with a broken ring finger on his left (non-shooting) hand. "People might always remember me for that, but I hate losing.

"The state championship will be the thing I remember the most. The run we had was so incredible. I'll remember all the good times on the road trips to St. Louis and Kentucky. I had fun playing ball with two of my best friends, Zach Kelly and Tyler Cullitan."

Beverley had a breakout season averaging 32 points, six rebounds, six assists and five steals for the third-place Commandos. He scored 40 or more points seven times.

"I dedicated myself last summer to improving my jump shot and getting stronger by lifting weights," Beverley said. "I've shown it's possible for anybody to earn a scholarship without having your name in those rankings or going to a big-time camp. People second-guessed me, but I knew I'd have a good senior year."

The legend of Derrick Rose began with one second left in Saturday night's title game, when he hit a floating 8-foot shot in overtime for Simeon's 31-29 title-game victory over Peoria Richwoods.

The 6-4 Rose, who averaged 20 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, went on a tear near the end of the regular season. He had 25 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, three steals and three blocks in a 55-40 romp over Washington for the Public League title.

In Simeon's 67-57 supersectional victory over Proviso East, Rose finished with 29 points, six assists and three steals. He had 14 points, seven rebounds and six assists against Scheyer & Co. and 21 points against Beverley and Marshall.

Rounding out the All-State team are two future impact players. Crane point guard Sherron Collins (26 points, seven rebounds, seven assists) takes his explosive game to Kansas, while 6-11 Brian Carlwell (19 points, 13 rebounds, six blocks) will bring an inside presence to Illinois.

FIRST TEAMPatrick Beverley, Marshall6-2, senior, guardAveraged 32 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals for state's third-place finisher. His stellar play raised his recruiting status from midmajor to the top of Division I. College: Undecided.

Brian Carlwell, Proviso East 6-11, senior, centerMost dominant big man in the state averaged 19 points, 13 rebounds and 6 blocked shots. Led the Pirates to successive supersectional appearances and was a standout receiver in football. College: Illinois.

Sherron Collins, Crane5-10, senior, guardRated the No. 1 point guard in the country by one recruiting publication. Averaged 26 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists for sectional finalist and was named McDonald's All-American. College: Kansas.

Jon Scheyer, Glenbrook North6-6, senior, guard/forwardLed Spartans to state title last year and quarterfinals this season. Averaged 29 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 3.3 steals and hit 100 three-pointers. Fourth-leading scorer in state history. College: Duke.